Top 7 cities for political scientists by average salary
| Washington, DC | $156,310 |
|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $146,970 |
| Boston, MA | $135,740 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $124,870 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $110,690 |
| Chicago, IL | $105,230 |
| Detroit, MI | $89,470 |
Map: Political Scientists salary by metro area
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Political Scientists salary by state
Washington, D.C. pays political scientists the most statewide, $154,300 a year on average. Statewide columns cover every employer in the state; city columns cover the metro areas we publish.
| State | Statewide average | Statewide median | Jobs | Metros | Highest city average | Lowest city average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | $154,300 | $152,530 | 3,070 | 1 | $156,310 | $156,310 |
| Maryland | $148,440 | $153,380 | 100 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Washington | $143,510 | $147,060 | 110 | 1 | $146,970 | $146,970 |
| Massachusetts | $139,440 | $133,930 | 170 | 1 | $135,740 | $135,740 |
| Pennsylvania | $136,350 | $140,020 | 70 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Colorado | $128,590 | $127,260 | 30 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Arizona | $117,910 | $108,770 | 50 | 1 | $124,870 | $124,870 |
| Oregon | $117,330 | $119,460 | n/a | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Texas | $114,140 | $114,050 | 160 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Ohio | $110,980 | $119,370 | 40 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Illinois | $104,460 | $103,780 | 110 | 1 | $105,230 | $105,230 |
| Michigan | $102,060 | $86,290 | 180 | 2 | $110,690 | $89,470 |
| New Hampshire | $99,590 | $74,560 | n/a | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Political Scientists salary in every city we cover
Sort by any column. Each city links to its pay range, take-home pay and cost of living.
| Metro area | Average | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $156,310 | $156,730 | $75.15 | 3,700 |
| Seattle, WA | $146,970 | $153,960 | $70.66 | 80 |
| Boston, MA | $135,740 | $133,930 | $65.26 | 190 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $124,870 | $114,320 | $60.03 | 30 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $110,690 | $86,290 | $53.22 | 60 |
| Chicago, IL | $105,230 | $103,780 | $50.59 | 90 |
| Detroit, MI | $89,470 | $79,990 | $43.01 | n/a |
Related jobs
- Clinical and Counseling PsychologistsU.S. average $112,750
- School PsychologistsU.S. average $99,160
- EconomistsU.S. average $142,130
- Survey ResearchersU.S. average $79,580
- Urban and Regional PlannersU.S. average $94,750
- Anthropologists and ArcheologistsU.S. average $75,620
- HistoriansU.S. average $81,240
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All OtherU.S. average $107,690
Political Scientists salary: questions
Where do political scientists make the most money?
In Washington, DC, with an average of $156,310 a year, among the 7 metro areas we cover.
What is the average political scientists salary in the U.S.?
$142,510 a year nationwide (BLS OEWS national estimates, May 2025); the median is $142,080, so half of political scientists earn more than that and half less.
What salary should political scientists ask for?
Start from the figures for your city: the middle half of political scientists nationwide earn between $114,030 (25th percentile) and $174,180 (75th percentile). Newer workers usually start near the 25th percentile and experienced ones can ask for the 75th; each city page shows the local range. See how to read salary percentiles.
Which state pays political scientists the most?
Washington, D.C., with a statewide average of $154,300 a year (BLS state estimates, May 2025).
Where is political scientists pay the lowest?
Detroit, MI, at $89,470 a year on average. Lower pay often comes with lower prices: check the cost of living on each city page.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 19-3094.
- U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.